Emergency funding for front- line charities IS available
Suddenly foodbanks are front page news, as they prove to be the major suppliers of food to the most vulnerable in society at a time when cities and communities have woken up to their fragile hold on the essentials of life. All have had to adapt their way of working, either by providing food where social distancing can be maintained, or delivering to doorsteps. In doing so they have become the lifeline to thousands more of the most vulnerable. Other safety nets, such as free school meals, have been hit. Frequently it’s small local charities often stepping up to meet the need.
At the same time a great number of their volunteers have had to step back because of age or ‘underlying medical conditions’.
Most report a 100% – 300% increase in the amounts of food required to meet demand as more and more people experience reduced means and greater pressures.
And here is the ‘rub’. The normal sources of supply of both material aid and finance for have either reduced or dried up. Churches are no longer able to meet, so their collection points for food are no longer accessible. The funds available from regular donors have reduced as we all feel the pinch.
Foodbanks are not the only front line charities facing the same challenge. Charity shops are closed so hospices and many other vital services are at risk.
But money is available! Here is a brief glimpse into some of the ways small local charities can access emergency funds. On Wednesday 8th April the government announced it is making £370 million for small and medium sized charities. Much of it will be available through local councils, and through the National Lottery Community Fund application process. Check out your local council Corona Virus Response for details of how to access volunteers and applications for emergency funds. The government will also match fund the BBC’s Big Night In charity appeal on the 23rd April up to £20 million.
The National Emergencies Trust, having raised over £20 million, is distributing the money super fast through UK Community Foundations and the 46 local community foundations. Contact details are all available at ukcommunityfoundations.org
The Charities Aid Foundation has set up a Covid-19 Funding and Resources hub to manage a CAF Coronavirus Emergency Fund. Currently, they have received requests for over £39 million, so are on pause at the moment, although they will re-open when they are re-supplied. However, they are making their donation platform available free to charities to set up online fundraising appeals. Details can be found at www.cafonline.org
The supermarket Morrison’s, have added £500,000 to their Morrison’s Foundation specifically to support charities that are supporting homeless people during the crisis with grants of up to £10,000. To apply go to www.morrisonsfoundation.com . For more information about this see https://youtu.be/wDRictvm6eY
And on the subject of online appeals, Crowdfunder (crowdfunder.co.uk) is waiving fees for charities having to step up their operations at the moment. Acts 435 (acts435.org.uk), works through churches to crowdfund for locally identified needs. The Besom (besom.com) acts as a bridge between those who want to give specific items with those in need of them.
Many funders have cut red tape for registered charities to a minimum, so don’t delay, apply today!